Description
The escabelle was used in the 16th century particularly by women, whose very wide dresses made it impractical to sit on armchairs. It was also the seat employed by the bourgeoisie for dining during the 16th and 17th centuries. In urban settings and grand residences, escabelles were produced with remarkably elaborate carved decoration.
Of Italian origin, the escabelle spread throughout the Alpine region. Examples are found in Switzerland, Savoy, Austria, southern Germany, and northern Italy.
Our escabelle-type chair is crafted from fine moulded and carved walnut wood.
The richly worked backrest features an openwork heart-shaped handhold flanked by two confronting lions. They support a foliate crown beneath a shell motif, a clearly Italianate theme.
Finally, the rectangular seat rests on four inclined legs with fluted shafts.